Schneider spends night in hospital

WASHINGTON -- Catcher Brian Schneider was hospitalized last night in Manhattan with an infection of his left thumb, just one day after he made his return to the lineup following a three-day absence because of a bruised forearm.

It left the Mets scrambling for a replacement, and racking their brains as to what caused the injury.

At first, it looked like Schneider would have to undergo a surgical procedure where doctors would lance the thumb. But after he sought a second opinion, doctors recommended intravenous antibiotics over anything invasive. The Mets are cautiously optimistic that Schneider will be able to avoid the disabled list.

If Schneider had needed surgery, he would have missed 2-to-3 weeks.

"He was treated with antibiotics and (Wednesday) night it got worse," said general manager Omar Minaya.

The team filled the need by designating seldom-used outfielder Brady Clark for assignment before purchasing the contract of catcher Gustavo Molina from Triple-A New Orleans. He'll back up Raul Casanova, who took over Schneider's spot in the lineup last night. With the Zephyrs, Molina was hitting .288 with one home run and nine RBI in 52 at-bats.

The Mets revealed Schneider had been bothered by the thumb infection since their series finale against the Cubs on Tuesday. The injury worsened to the point where the Mets sent Schneider to a hand specialist here. Then he flew back to New York and went to the Hospital for Special Surgery to get a second opinion. Schneider will likely spend 24-to-48 hours at the hospital.

A domino effect from Schneider's injury could delay Moises Alou's return from the disabled list. There was a possibility the injured left fielder could return this weekend against the Atlanta Braves, even as soon as today.

But yesterday Minaya said the team would likely wait until Schneider returns before activating Alou, since Molina most likely would be sent down to make room on the roster for Alou.

"Moises was coming along very well," Minaya said. "We have to wait to see how Brian is before we made a decision."

Joe Smith is the new star of an online video, but he'd prefer if nobody saw it.

The reliever was caught on camera during the series in Chicago, shouting profanities at heckling fans in the bleachers at Wrigley Field. The video was quickly put up on YouTube and has become the talk of the clubhouse. During a pregame stretch, David Wright and other players were teasing Smith about his new-found stardom.

The Mets are attempting to have the video pulled from YouTube and a popular Mets fan site where it has been posted.

"It's embarrassing," said Smith, who learned about the video from friends.

Smith said he's also worried about people perceiving him negatively.

The Mets will go with a rotation of RHP Mike Pelfrey, RHP John Maine and RHP Nelson Figueroa for their three-game weekend series against the Braves, who will counter with RHP Jair Jurrjens, RHP Tim Hudson and RHP John Smoltz.

Lastings Milledge was dropped from the Nationals starting lineup for arriving late to the ballpark last night. Milledge appeared as a pinch hitter, walking in the sixth inning.

"He showed up late to work. I love Milledge, and he knows it. And out of all the rules I have, I have three rules that are unbreakable," Washington manager Manny Acta said.

After the game, Milledge said he wasn't surprised by being benched. He wouldn't say what delayed him.

"That doesn't matter. I was late," he said. "It was something I couldn't control. I take full responsibility."